Elizabeth Andarge

Immokalee bike light program launches as authority presence increases

Elizabeth Andarge

In the darkness, it is difficult to spot the numerous farmworkers in Immokalee riding bicycles on their way home. A local organization is working to change that.

Culture and Connections

Free mental health sessions on Sanibel Island

Elizabeth Andarge

A local non-profit is offering free mental health services to uplift the community.

Martha Bireda, Director, Blanchard House Museum, talks about the museum display. On Sunday, September 20, 2025, the Blanchard House was reopened in Punta Gorda. It was a way to celebrate a century of history at the reopening celebration of the House. The house turned 100 years old and has been the home to the Blanchard House Museum for the past 21 years. This is Charlotte County’s only Black history museum.

Human Interest

Charlotte County's only African American museum celebrates its centennial

Elizabeth Andarge

The Blanchard House Museum is celebrating its 100th anniversary and provides a glimpse into the journey that led to this milestone.

Tank posing for a photo with kids at a costume event.

Culture and Connections

Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral is hosting Kidsfest

Elizabeth Andarge

A festival for children is coming to Cape Coral.

Maihan Saeedi and his wife Neelab play with their son Amir in their home on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Fort Myers. The couple met in the United States after fleeing Afghanistan in 2021 with only backpacks. “My source of strength now is my family, my wife, my child, my friends that I have here. All this makes me hopeful,” Maihan Saeedi said.

Culture and Connections

Lutheran office quietly aids refugees in Fort Myers

Elizabeth Andarge

Refugees turn to Lutheran Services for help starting over.

A survey of census, labor, environmental and myriad other factors by a national company found the Cape Coral area to be about halfway down a list of nearly 200 best and worst places to raise a family.

Culture and Connections

Paws and prayers at Cape Coral's Poochapalooza

Elizabeth Andarge

A pet festival is coming to Cape Coral this weekend.

Culture and Connections

Everglades City’s blessing of the commercial fleet returns

Elizabeth Andarge

After last year's storm nearly derailed the event, Everglades City is ready for a triumphant return of the Blessing of the Fleet.

Firefighters respond to a blaze at the Chabad of Charlotte County. (Punta Gorda Police Department)

Culture and Connections

Suspect arrested in Chabad arson and hate crime probe

Elizabeth Andarge

After days of investigation, Punta Gorda Police have made an arrest in connection with the arson and hate crime investigation that shocked the community.

Religion

Hate crime fire, vandalism affects Punta Gorda synagogue amid high holidays

Elizabeth Andarge

The Jewish New Year or Rosh Hashanah has officially begun, but one community is not able to fully celebrate after their synagogue was intentionally damaged.

Health

Easterseals Ranch hosts free open house

Elizabeth Andarge

A Sarasota non-profit is inviting the community to learn about hippotherapy.